Sitka is a city on the Pacific Ocean coast of Baranof Island in Alaska, the largest state in the United States of America. Originally settled by Tlingit Indians, Sitka also has history as a Russian settlement.

See

Sitka National Historical Park, 106 Metlakatla St., 907-747-0110 [5]. No food service or lodging in this park.

Visitor Center open year round: mid-May through September daily 8AM-5PM; October through mid-May: M-Sa 8AM-5PM. Closed on Federal holidays during the winter months. Over 12 years old $4, under free. Wheelchair accessible. The Southeast Alaska Indian Cultural Center, totem poles, and museum exhibits are located in the building. Exhibits depict traditional Tlingit life. A short video reviews Sitka's history.

Russian Bishop's House open mid-May through September daily 9AM-5PM. Ranger-led tours are offered every 30 minutes. October through mid-May open by appointment only. 12 years old $4, under free. This original log structure built in 1843 is one of the last remaining buildings from the Russian colonial period. Not wheelchair accessible.

Park Trails open mid-May through September daily 6AM-10PM; October through mid-May daily 7AM-8PM. Free. Walk in a temperate rain forest under towering trees, observe migrating salmon, explore the intertidal zone, and study wildlife. A pleasant walk through the Alaska woods with interesting totem poles interspersed throughout the walk.

A totem

Alaska Raptor Center, 1000 Raptor Way, 1-800-643-9425, [6]. May-September Su-F 8AM-4PM. Adults $12, under 12 $6. Bald eagles and other raptors from all over the Western United States are treated at this 17 acre facility bordering the Tongass National Forest. See the eagles, hawks, falcons and owls up close.

St. Michael's Russian Orthodox Church, 240 Lincoln St., 907-747-8120. Although the original was burned down and restored, the artifacts inside including the icons were largely preserved from the fire.

Get out

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